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This post is by guest writer Jara Rowe.
Dean has taken the Korean R&B scene by storm. Also known as Deanfluenza, he finally released his first EP, 130 Mood:TRBL, in March. He is a multi-platinum songwriter, masterminding songs for artists such as EXO, VIXX, and Zico. His creativity has helped put him on an international platform as well. Dean performed at SXSW this year and will be attending KCON LA later this summer, just to name a few.
130 Mood:TRBL is the reverse order of a love story, from falling in love to suffering from a broken heart. Each track lends its own feel to complete the storyline which is refreshing. The amount of thought and creativity that went into this EP’s concept and execution, as well as the naming of its tracks, is truly astounding. Coming from a hip hop background, Dean makes sure to keep those elements prevalent in this masterpiece. You can join Dean on this roller coaster love story by listening to this album.
Track 1 – 어때 (And You?) (Outro)
130 Mood:TRBL begins with radio sounds of the police knocking on the door. Soon after, the piano comes in, adding a bittersweet feeling to And You?. Dean’s velvety voice has a distinct tone that’s very suitable for this emotional track. Towards the end of the song there is a surprise trap section that allows Dean to show more of his rapping skills.
Track 2 – 풀어 (Pour Up)
Dean partners with Zico for a smooth, mellow, and sexy R&B number in Pour Up. Sensual synths add a bit of mystery and bounce to this track. Pour Up samples some elements from Kendrick Lamar‘s Swimming Pools. Dean’s effortless vocals and Zico’s flow suits the backtrack extremely well. Dean and Zico discuss going to a club to escape being lonely after a recent break up.
Track 3 – Bonnie & Clyde
Bonnie and Clyde were a pair that was all about passion, and this track delivers just that thanks to Dean’s emotional vocals. With a trap feel, Bonnie & Clyde is bursting with climactic synths with a pulsating beat that’s bound to get you sucked in. From the beginning you can tell that this track is full of intensity, as it’s about a confusing but passionate relationship. The track changes vibes towards the end similar to many of Frank Ocean‘s songs. Everything rides really nicely in Bonnie & Clyde.
Track 4 – What 2 Do
130 Mood:TRBL takes a less intense approach with What 2 Do. This track is sweet and less in your face than previous tracks. Dean features Crush and Jeff Bernat and these three vocalists have the perfect voices for such a syrupy song. With very little accompaniment other than a piano, drums, and a little bass, this track is full of pure vocals.
Track 5 – D (Half Moon)
D (Half Moon) is named brilliantly. This track continues with a sweet vibe that starts with light piano strokes and Dean’s muffled croons. It’s 8chill until the chorus, when Dean really shows his power vocals. Gaeko features on D (Half Moon) and his voice and delivery are both extremely suitable. This number ends with the static from And You?.
Track 6 – I Love It
Continuing with elements from And You? and D (Half Moon), I Love It begins with the knocks at the door from that track. A modern day R&B track with rhythmic beats and hints of electronica elements, I Love It features Dok2, whose flow matches the quick beats fantastically. I Love It is a playful, sensual, and sexy track as Dean sings about making love in the chorus.
Track 7 – 21
21 is full of soul as, what sounds like, an organ starts the track off. It’s filled with funk and dance elements laced with bouncing low-pitched synths. The song sounds like how someone would feel when they discover something for the first time, full of excitement. There is an explosive chorus in 21 with Dean’s falsetto on full display. This track is really catchy and is the most pop influenced on the album. However, Dean makes sure to leave a hint of his hip hop roots with a trap section. 21 reminds me of a Bruno Mars song from the funky beat to the vocals. This track wraps up the album and love story very well.
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